Friday, November 8, 2013

Weekend Preview 9/10 November

FA Cup Final

Sunday

Bangkok Glass v Buriram Utd (Thammasart Stadium)

Since both clubs cocooned into their present day forms, Bangkok Glass have never beaten Buriram in 11 previous attempts. In fact, the 0-0 draw between the pair in July was the only time that Buriram have failed to win this showdown after they'd won the previous ten.
Buriram have dominated the domestic cup competitions recently and another win on Sunday would be their third successive FA Cup success. Their last defeat in this tournament came back in 2010 against Army.
Also the Thunder Castle have already bagged the TPL crown this season and victories in the FA Cup and League Cup would see them sweep the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons.
On route to the final Buriram have seen off Chainat, Samut Songkhram, Singh Tarua and pleasingly for them Muangthong United in the semi final. Bangkok Glass eliminated Chonburi in the third round with a 1-0 win after extra time. The Glass Rabbits then followed that up with narrow victories at Trat and Bangkok FC before they demolished Police United 5-2 at the Rajamangala Stadium.
The final also has some added spice with Bangkok Glass coach, Attaphol Buspakom, coming up against his former side. Attaphol was surprising axed minutes after Buriram secured their place in the AFC Champions League last 16. A dispute with the club owner saw him depart Buriram and he was quickly snapped up by Bangkok Glass. I'm guessing there will have been a sour taste left in Attaphol's mouth and winning the FA Cup would be sweet revenge for him.

Division 2 Playoffs

Group A - Saturday

Kasetsart v Phitsanulok
Nara Utd v Luk Esan
Prachuap v Roi Et Utd

Group B - Sunday

In Group A, Nara Utd have won their last two matches to hoist themselves into contention. They currently sit four points behind leaders Phitsanulok and Roi Et Utd and they'll be expected to overcome a Luk Esan side who haven't tasted success yet in five attempts. The leading duo have away games which they'll fancy taking three points from. Roi Et are at Prachuap and Phitsanulok visit Kasetsart.

Chiang Mai have beaten Sukhothai three times already this season and another win over the Fire Bats would leave them on the brink of promotion. The northern champions have a six point gap at the top with five games left to play. The other five teams are so closely bunched together with only three points separating the five of them. It's all to play for as Nakhon Nayok host Ang Thong while Paknampo NSRU welcome Udon Thani.